Take an "awe break"

Feel like you have too much on your plate? Try taking an "awe break." Sounds interesting, doesn't it? Gunilla Norris, a contributing author to "Weavings" has this to say:

"Many of us are juggling so many things that we are run by our lives rather than living them as gifts from God. What if we could learn to stop for a moment many times a day? What if in those moments we could decide to notice the sheer miracle of being alive? We would then be taking awe breaks instead of coffee breaks."

A couple of weeks ago I began a clinical rotation at a nearby hospital. It's your standard 5 days/wk, 9 to 5 gig. Add in travel time, dinner preparation, a little bit of studying and a little bit of down time and you have the recipe commonly known as, "your typical work day."

Before starting my day, I try to take time to reflect on life and say a prayer of thanksgiving for each new day. Then I jump in car for work, and soon enough,the day has slipped away from me. What if I could "learn to stop for a moment MANY times a day" (not just once or twice) , wherever I am, whatever I'm doing, and I take that a few seconds to thank God for his many blessings.

Love. Health. Family. Friends. Education. Laughter. Food. Clean Water. Shelter. . . etc.

I don't think I'll be giving up my coffee breaks, but tomorrow I am going to try getting ENERGIZED through taking an "awe break." Won't you take a MOMENTary awe break with me?

I was MIA, but now I'm BIA (back in action)

After spending a few months out at Sea (aka: at the beach, on the "4c's", (ok, it looks more like this) fishing off the dock of the bay), I am back in action-back in Philly! I have missed writing and will try to post more frequently.

Stay Tuned: next post I'll report on the "highlights" of my summer. But right now, a word on life back in Philly.

First, I should say that it is GOOD to be back. I have especially missed my church here in Philly and the community and support that goes along with it. It was good to sit in the church pew (well, chair) on Sunday, to sing on the top of my lungs along with guitar, drums and keyboard, and to see friendly faces from my"career and grad group." I, of course, fit into the second group. Personally, I think that the second group is a lot less scary than the first group (but in 1.5 years, I hope to become a member of the first!!!)

Second, I have moved into a new apartment and well, if I could show you pictures (somehow, I've lost the cord for my camera), I think you'd be pretty impressed by the "decor" (thanks mom!) I particularly feel grown up because I have a tablecloth (and place mats) on my table AND (big AND) I bought my first ever iron and ironing Board. Now, I'm still an amateur with my Sunbeam, usually ironing IN more wrinkles than I iron OUT, but hey, it's a step in the right direction.

Thirdly, over the summer, I found TRUE LOVE...

Rice Pudding :)

mmmm, MMMM, good! I have found a recipe and this thursday, I plan to attempt making my very own rice pudding (minus the raisins). I'll let you know how it goes!!

Leave the Last cookie?

Just as Superman's weakness was kryptonite, my weakness has to be chocolate chip cookies. You know the commericial that goes, "Lays potato chips, bet you can't eat just ONE." Well, for me, eating just one potato chip is a piece of cake (I mean, it's easy as pie....I mean...it's no problem) But eating just one chocolate chip cookie. I'd say that it is pretty much impossible for me to do. Note to any guys out there reading this: homeade chocolate chip cookies is the way to this girl's heart!! Haha, just kidding. Kind of. Anyway, to change the subject a slight bit, I've recently started listening to NPR on my way to and from school most days. And I'm really enjoying it. I mean, I'm a huge music person...life would be absolutely miserable if "the music stopped," yet still, I also enjoy learning about the impact of the internet on the Chinese music industry, about the ongoings of the African Union and the new "President" in Zimbabwe, etc. Some good stuff. Anyway, here's a link to an essay that combines chocolate chip cookies and NPR (I bet you thought I forgot about the chocolate chip cookie thing).
Anyway, click here --> this i believe.

Next time you find yourself drooling over the last cookie on the cookie plate, I hope you stop and think about "leaving the last cookie."

Strength and Honor

A good friend of mine is about to commence his service to the United States Army. No one in my family or group of friends has served before, and therefore, I am left feeling both proud but also afraid for this new chapter in my friend's life. Regardless of the things Bill has shared and will continue to share with me about the Army, I will never completely understand the life of a soldier. And that scares me. Isn't that THE thing we, as human beings, are most afraid of- the UNKNOWN. the What-ifs? There is something else that scares me as well. CHANGE. People always say that war tends to change people.Maybe this is true but it's not just war that changes people. People are changed by many things. Losing a loved one. Losing a job. Hurricanes. Floods. Death. New Life. Marriage. A new found faith. All these things change people. And more often than not, that change BECOMES part of that person. It becomes part of their story. And although I am often afraid of change, and I also think that it's a good thing. It's a growing thing. Change is certain. But does the CORE of person ever change? Can the essence of who that person is be altered completely? What if the core of that person is EVIL? Can he change his ways? I guess these are kind of loaded question. questions I'm going to leave open for you do decide for yourself. But I want to get back to something I do know. The core of my friend Bill. Although life has taken both us in two opposite directions, I have no doubt that the core of my friend Bill has and will always remain constant. What is the core of his life? Two things:

STRENGTH and HONOR.
That is truly the essence of Bill's life. I am confident that he will live out this next chapter of his life with both strength and honor. He will thus bring honor to his nation. to his family. and to the Army. And without getting too sappy, I'd like to thank Bill for the ways he has touched my life and the ways he has challenged me to listen to my heart and to never allow what matters most to get pushed aside. I will miss his kindness and wisdom. The way that he encourages others, rallies those around him, supports and respects his fellow man, and the way he puts his heart and soul into everything he does. I am blessed by all of these things. Though my heart is troubled by the uncertainty that the future holds for Bill, it is also full of love and respect for Bill. And therefore I can only send my greatest blessings with him as he leads his fellow man and protects his Nation the only way he knows how.... with strength and honor.

Love you Bill. Strength and honor.

My dad

In the spirit of Father's Day (I know I'm a little late, please forgive me), this one's for you dad!

So, I call up my dad the day after my "run-in with the horse."

Me: Hey, dad. How you doing?
Dad: Neigh Nat!

That's my dad's humor for you! Secretly, I love my dad's humor, but over the years, my family and I have learned that if we encourage my dad he'll just keep going. Regardless, as he tells us, it's a dad's job to be corny!!

I've compiled two lists: one list is of my dad's favorite sayings (they speak for themselves), the second is a few of my favorite memories with my dad. I'm sure there's some things I've missed, but for now, this will have to do. Some day when I'm a parent, I'm sure I'll teach my children these same things. I love you dad so much. Here's a little trip down memory lane...

Dad's Favorite Sayings
1. Don't forget the underwear! Wherever I go, i will never forget my underwear. thanks
2. You can have your cake and eat it to! If you say it's possible, it's possible.
3. Have a good seat? . Nothing to say about this...
4. Where's your coat Natalie? You're not wearing a coat? Nope!
5. Life isn't always fair. This is the truth!!

Favorite Memories with Dad
1. Orlando/St. Augustine- 2007. Dad had a business trip in Orlando and I was looking at St. Augustine's Grad program. So he invited me (and paid for me) to fly down to Orlando...in the middle of classes nonetheless. I laid by the pool while he was in his meetings and then at night- time and after the conference was over, Dad and I went to the Alligator Zoo, ate some great Moroccan food in Epcot and drank from the Fountain of Youth. No wonder I still look like I'm 16 years old!!

2. Sandbridge, VA- Summer 2006. Dad and I snuck away from the people we were staying with and went looking for the "wild horses" on the nature preserve. It was a HOT HOT day and we weren't expecting to be gone for long, but before we knew it, we were climbing through the sand dunes pretending like we didn't see the sign that read "STAY OFF DUNES." He found the horses on accident. Mission accomplished. But like always, the journey was more fun than reaching the destination!

3. Flying kites on the beach with Dad. And almost crashing the kite into the innocent beach bums who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Then crashing plane into Dad instead. Sorry dad.

4. Boating on the 4C's with Captain Chuck (aka Dad)- Summers 2006/7/8. Like the saying goes, "When the going gets tough, the tough go boating!" Thanks for being patient with your Skipper (me) and introducing me to the wonderful world of boating!

I love you dad. Thanks for your constant love and support. We always seem to have fun wherever we go. Let the good times roll!

A little run-in with a horse

Well, where to begin? This past Thursday was one of the best and not worst, but let's say "most tragic", days of the summer thus far. No worries though. It was a funny tragic. This is what happened:

My friend invited me to come along and help her feed and groom four horses that she takes care of. Growing up I had read all the Black Stallion books, and I even had a good size collection of Breyer's Horses, so naturally, I was super excited and willing to be a barn helper. I didn't know very much about taking care of horses, but Jess proved to be a great teacher...probably because she LOVES horses so much. Throughout the night, I could not help but admire her tenderness and kindness toward our beautiful four-legged relatives.

When we arrived at the place where the horses live, (actually it was right down the road from where I live... in the middle of Philadelphia's suburbs!!) I was introduced to Jess's fotur best looking friends: Reds, Titan, Mac and Peter. I was immediately taken aback by their beauty and just the strength that they embody. One by one, we called for the horses by name, and Jess and I led them into their stalls to be fed and groomed. Jess showed me how to prepare their grain, and we talked about how particular she is with the food she gives her horses, but then she (and I am guilty of it too) eat junk food and foods that have no nutritional value. Side note: I think that Americans could all learn a thing a two from the simple but nutritious diet of horses. Sorry, I'm getting side tracked. Stay with me...the best part of the story is yet to come....

As I said before, I couldn't help but notice Jess's tenderness and genuine love for her horses. If one of the horses was rude and acted inpatiently as they waited for their grain, Jess would reprimand (but in a caring way!) him. Good behavior was rewarded with carrots and her words and actions were so genuine and always positive. Maybe I'm thinking into this too much, but don't you think that the world would be a better place if we all tried to speak more kind and uplifting words to each other? Personally, I know that I could use to work on this area in my life.

After the horses finished their yummy grain, Jess and I groomed each horse before turning them back out for the rest of the night. Reds and Titan were both looking a little like they had been rolling around in the mud, so Jess decided that it was bath time!! I guess all animals feel the same way about baths (dogs, horses and young children at least!); it's not their favorite thing. Nonetheless, baths were ordered. Reds was first. While Jess sprayed and washed him down, I was once again able to admire his beauty and strength. What a beautiful example of God's own beauty and strength. His Creation and His Power. Jess and I had a great time asking about each other's past and present lives. I was truly having a wonderful time.

Reds was turned out to the field. Next up: Titan! This time, Jess let me take hold of the lead rope as she hosed down Titan. "Don't hold the rope too tightly. It's good if we let him graze a little. But if he grazes too far, just pull lightly on the rope and you should be fine," instructed Jess. Ok. Seemed easy enough. So, we continued to chat and hose Titan down and all was quiet and wonderful on the western front (ok, eastern front). Titan seemed to be on his best behavior, and for that I was thankful. He didn't try to bite or kick me, which I have to be honest, I was a little afraid of. But then, the mood of the night changed. I can't exactly remember how it all went down, but Jess was still hosing and I was still holding onto the rope. Titan must have gotten a little spooked about something because he came in my direction forcing me to back up and give him some space. Well, apparently I didn't give him enough space because before I knew it, he was standing on foot!!! I don't think I realized it at first -that there was a horse on foot, but soon enough, I felt it!

Me: Uhh, Jess, the horse is on my foot. It's kinda hurts.
Titan puts a little more weight through his hoove...the hoove that was on my foot.
Jess: Oh my gosh! Titan! Get off!!

And he did...but unfortunately the damage was already done. Thank goodness I had sneakers on rather than my normal summer footwear- the sandal. But okay, it hurt! It hurt A LOT. Jess felt terrible, but she couldn't have seen it coming....definitely NOT her fault. I tried to tough it out, but I really just needed to get home and put ice on it. When I took my sneaker off, my foot looked a little red and a blood vessel had burst on the side of pinky toe. I was actually expecting worse. I didn't think it was broken b/c I could move all my toes and walk on it...ok, it was more of a hobble. Three days have passed since, and my foot is now a wonderful blue/green color, but I am walking so much better and the swelling really isn't too bad at all I am quite thankful that the damage was so minimal. Plus, now it makes for a great story! How many people can tell their friends that a horse stepped on their foot!?! Tell someone a horse stepped on your foot, and you're automatically the hot topic at any party-believe you me!

All in all, I had a great time with the horses, and I hope that I get the opportunity to do it again. I might want to borrow someone's steel-toed boots next time though!!! Oh, what an adventure!

Thanks Jess for everything!

People watching on the beach...

I'd like to give a few shout-outs to complete strangers. Although they may be strangers, these individuals who made "people watching" on the beach this weekend just that much more interesting. How I love the smell and sounds of the beach. And, of course, the sights of the beach too!

1. Props to the lady who was wearing a souvenir sombrero on the beach. Straw hats, baseball caps, sun visors. They are all commonly worn by beach goers. But, a true SOMBRERO!? You don't see that everyday. I love hats of all shapes and sizes....so PROPS to the sombrero! Hey, it does it's job, right?!?



2. To the two little girls in their polka dots and frills who were playing by the ocean shore and who couldn't have been more happy (or cute!)

3. To the man in the kayak who was having a rough time getting out to sea. It wasn't his fault though. The waves were breaking right on him every time. But he stuck it out like a true fighter. Then he bore down and showed those waves who were boss! Props to those individuals who dare to swim/kayak against the current!

4. To the most popular man on the beach...Mr. Ice Cream Man. Oh, the sweet sound of your cow bells signaling your arrival to all beach goers (adults included)! What a "sweet" sound. But, what's this? Do i hear the bells a-ringing at 10:30 a.m.? Is the ice cream man onto something here? Cereal and ice cream?? Mmm...sounds kinda delicious.

5. Last but not least...To the small black and white bird (see below for a picture from his photo shoot) who absolutely would NOT share the oyster that washed ashore with any of his black and white feathery friends. He was willing to fight for his food! Can we say, "survival of the fittest?" But uh oh. Here comes Mr. "I'm Bigger Than You" Seagull. Mr. I"m Bigger than you didn't even need to fight for HIS food. Can we say, "food chain!" Mr. Black and White Bird wasn't so confident anymore. A humbling experience indeed.